Abnormal vaginal discharge can be menSo it's a sign of a disturbance in your intimate organs or your body's health. Therefore, every woman needs to know the characteristics of abnormal vaginal discharge so that she can immediately anticipate it when this happens.
Vaginal discharge can be said to be normal if it is clear or white in color, has a thick, non-sticky texture, and has no odor. Meanwhile, abnormal vaginal discharge usually has an unpleasant smell, abnormal color, and is sometimes accompanied by various other symptoms, such as itching or pain.
Signs of Abnormal Vaginal Fluid
Below are some signs of abnormal vaginal discharge that are important for you to know:
- There is a change in the color of vaginal discharge, for example, from what is usually white to greenish yellow
- Vaginal discharge becomes smelly or sharp
- Vaginal discharge with sores on the vagina
- Vaginal fluid volume suddenly increases or the fluid looks lumpy like cheese or milk
- Vaginal discharge accompanied by itching or pain in the genitals
- Vaginal discharge with bleeding outside the menstrual period
Infection is the most common factor that causes abnormal changes in vaginal discharge. Examples are yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or sexually transmitted diseases, such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, genital herpes, or gonorrhea.
Besides being caused by infection, abnormal vaginal discharge can also occur due to excessive use of vaginal cleansing soap, consumption of drugs such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, or birth control pills, as well as complications from other diseases, such as hip inflammation, vaginitis, diabetes, and cancer. cervix.
What to do?
You may be confused when you encounter a vaginal discharge that is different than usual. However, there are several things you can do when you experience abnormal vaginal discharge based on the signs, including:
1. White or gray liquid with a fishy smell
White or gray discharge with a fishy smell could be a sign that you are experiencing bacterial vaginosis (BV). This infection is quite common and sometimes causes irritation or itching.
If you experience this, you are advised to change your underwear more often when it starts to get damp. In addition, clean the vagina in the right way every time you urinate or defecate. Make sure the pubic area is dry before wearing underwear.
2. Thick or white liquid which accompanied by itching
Thick or white discharge accompanied by itching is generally caused by a fungal infection. This infection is also quite common in most women.
When you experience this condition, the first step you can take is to avoid wearing tight underwear and stop using vaginal cleansing soap.
3. Yellow, green, or foamy liquid
Yellow, green, or foamy discharge is usually caused by sexually transmitted infections, such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. In addition to abnormal vaginal discharge, this infection sometimes causes itching and pain, especially during urination or sexual penetration.
Since yellow or green vaginal discharge is mostly caused by sexually transmitted infections, you should refrain from sexual intercourse of any kind, be it penetrative sex or oral sex.
4. A fishy-smelling liquid accompanied by sores on the genital organs
Vaginal discharge accompanied by sores on the genital organs can be caused by many factors, ranging from the herpes virus, syphilis, or vaginal discharge chancroid. If you experience this condition, do not touch the wound or wash your hands immediately after touching the wound. In addition, you are also advised to stop sexual intercourse.
5. Fluid with blood
Abnormal vaginal discharge accompanied by blood can be caused by many factors, including vaginitis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or vaginal atrophy. Not only that, this condition can also indicate the presence of uterine cancer, cervical cancer, or ovarian cancer.
To see if these symptoms are really caused by a health problem, you can wait a few days. If you do not experience menstruation, immediately consult a doctor.
It should be understood that the steps above are only the first step when you find abnormal vaginal discharge. The steps above cannot treat complaints, so you also need to immediately consult a doctor.
The treatment given will be adjusted to the cause of abnormal vaginal discharge. Therefore, before giving the drug, the doctor may need to do some tests first to find out the cause.
